Monday, September 16 – Proverbs 1, 2

1. What is the beginning of wisdom? Proverbs 1:7

2. What effect does prosperity have on the fool? Proverbs 1:32

3. Who are the parties involved in the marriage covenant? Proverbs 2:17

Commentary and Reflection:

We begin the second book of Solomon. Solomon inherited his literary and poetic talent from David, but he was not only a great poet and writer but also a master of science. Besides the books of Song of Solomon and Proverbs, it says, “He spoke three thousand proverbs, and his songs were one thousand and five. Also, he spoke of trees, from the cedar tree of Lebanon even to the hyssop that springs out of the wall; he also spoke of animals, birds, creeping things, and fish.” 1 Kings 4:32-33. Amazing, isn’t it? Could it be that Solomon inherited his literary talent from his father and his love for science from his mother?

The book takes its name from its first word. The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary says, “Solomon wrote the Proverbs in the early years of his reign when he was still obedient to the Spirit of God within his heart.” SDABC Introduction, Authorship

Proverbs 1:7 summarizes the book, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”

Although the wise appreciate knowledge, wisdom is different from knowing much. Wisdom is learning how to use knowledge; it is the science of living. Knowledge tells you how to drive the car; wisdom tells you where to go. Wisdom in humans is fragile; its vulnerable points can break it. Solomon teaches, sings, and discourses about wisdom, saying about 15 times in the book that, in summary, it is the fear of the Lord, meaning reverence, recognition of His eternity, majesty, and greatness. There may be much knowledge without this principle, but wisdom is lacking.

The servant of God says about the Proverbs, ” Its principles of diligence, honesty, thrift, temperance, and purity are the secret of true success. These principles, as set forth in the book of Proverbs, constitute a treasury of practical wisdom.” Ed 135

Chapter one warns not to follow or be deceived by those who conspire to do evil. “My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent.” (v. 10).

It condemns lying in wait or trying to manipulate things with ulterior motives. It condemns “shedding blood,” not as one who does it with a weapon literally but as one who wounds or causes suffering to another person. It says that whoever does this does it against himself.

It warns that greed takes away the life of its possessors. (v. 19).

It says that wisdom calls aloud in the streets, cries out in the squares, and is in the meeting places. This means that wisdom is not hidden; it is accessible, and whoever seeks it finds it. Sin and greed are deceitful and cause foolishness. The ministry of the Holy Spirit calling us to the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.

How beautiful are the introductory words of chapter 2! God speaks to us through Solomon. He tenderly calls us, “My son.” These words are a call to wisdom. Let us treasure today the tender invitation in these words.

The marriage covenant is not merely with the spouse and the family but with God. Abandoning the spouse hurts the family and means “forgetting the covenant of her God” Proverbs 2:17.

Wisdom will keep us from “the immoral woman” or “the immoral person,” it is the same for man or woman. Infidelity and sexual impurity are effective traps of the enemy. “She inclines” not only the person but “her house,” meaning her children, “toward death” (v. 18). The children of unfaithful people are innocent victims. It gives a severe warning against infidelity and sexual impurity, “None who go to her return, nor do they regain the paths of life.” (v. 19).

Solomon wants to impress upon us that this is a grave matter. However, despite the pain and suffering caused by infidelity, it is worth remembering that God can save us from any situation.

Chapter two ends with a prophetic mention of the final judgment, “For the upright will dwell in the land, And the blameless will remain in it; But the wicked will be cut off from the earth, And the unfaithful will be uprooted from it.” (v. 21-22).

Let us live today in the fear of the Lord; may wisdom be our counselor.